The Messerschmitt Me 262, nicknamed Schwalbe (German: "Swallow") in fighter versions, or Sturmvogel (German: "Storm Bird") in fighter-bomber versions, was the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. Design work started before World War II began, but problems with engines, metallurgy and top-level interference kept the aircraft from operational status with the Luftwaffe until mid-1944. The Me 262 was faster and more heavily armed than any Allied fighter, including the British jet-powered Gloster Meteor. One of the most advanced aviation designs in operational use during World War II, the Me 262's roles included light bomber, reconnaissance and experimental night fighter versions.

Me 262 pilots claimed a total of 542 Allied aircraft shot down,although higher claims are sometimes made. The Allies countered its effectiveness in the air by attacking the aircraft on the ground and during takeoff and landing. Strategic materials shortages and design compromises on the Junkers Jumo 004 axial-flow turbojet engines led to reliability problems. Attacks by Allied forces on fuel supplies during the deteriorating late-war situation also reduced the effectiveness of the aircraft as a fighting force. Armament production within Germany was focused on more easily manufactured aircraft. In the end, the Me 262 had a negligible impact on the course of the war as a result of its late introduction and the consequently small numbers put in operational service.

Kit Contents:

•  Plane model
•  Assembly instructions 
•  German Air Force Lufftwafe in Africa tactical number KGEM Libya air base January 1942.
•  Adhesive for plastic models with a brush
•  Polish Aviation Liaison escort Warsaw-Babice Polska 1946.
•  Bulgarian Aviation Reconnaissance Escard Bulgaria 1943-1944 Praha-Kbely
•  Spanish Aviation Reconnaissance Escard Spain Madrid 1940.
•  Chinese aviation ex Manchurian airfield: Chanchung Manchuria 1945.
•  Croatian Aviation Squadron 4th Fighter group air base Nikolayevo Russia June 1942.
•  Russian Aviation bought from Germany, tested at NIVVS Russia April 1940.
•  Swiss Aviation St. 16th airbase Dubendorf of Szwajcair 1948
•  Romanian Aviation Squadron Escarila 112 16 Aeronautica Regala Romania 1940.
•  Czechoslovak aviation squadron Escarila B-70 airbase Praha-Kbely 1945.
•  Yugoslav Aviation Squadron Escarila 2nd April 1940.
•  U.S. aviation aircraft of the U.S. embassy in Berlin April 1938.
•  British Air Force Royal Air Force Farnborough air base England 1942.
•  Hungarian Air Force Royal Hungarian Air Force April 1945.